A lot more than tennis

She has been the golden girl of Indian sport for close to 14 years now — and Sania Mirza still has it going for her. In all these years, she has been far more than just a tennis player — someone who dared to defy the norm, was a fashion icon, and also a beacon of hope for many aspiring female athletes. The tennis star was in Chennai for a fashion brand launch of her sister’s, and in a tête-a-tête, she spoke about tennis, fashion, marriage and her tryst with Bollywood.

Chennai memories
The best part about Chennai is that I have very close family here. I spent the last couple of days in the city, it was great hanging out with them and not worrying about waking up early to play tennis. I used to play junior tournaments here, where I have won a few times. So every time I’m here, those memories just come rushing back!

India’s attitude towards fashion
We have become progressive, fashion-wise. Thanks to internet and social media, we have been able to update ourselves with the trends from all over the world! But the scrutiny of the public has increased at the same time. What you wear or choose not to wear is always spoken about. The more people on social media, the more opinions you have to listen to.

On her tennis academy
We have about 100 kids in the tennis academy now. We opened our second facility in Hyderabad recently. I want Indian tennis to be a force to reckon with, and the academy is just a small apart of that dream.

Over the last few years, outside of cricket at least, most of the achievers in Indian sports have been women. The great show of female athletes at the Olympics last year is a proof of that. Women have to struggle more to shine in the field of sports. Such wins are a huge source of motivation for aspiring athletes.

On completing seven years of Marriage with shoaib
We couldn’t spend the anniversary together, as Shoaib is on another side of the planet. But he scored a century, won ‘man of the match’ and series on that day! Two years ago, on the same day, I reached the number one ranking as well. So, I think our anniversary is lucky for us, career wise too!

Her tryst with Bollywood
I’ve always loved Bollywood — even before it was ‘cool’. I just happened to strike a good chemistry with a few people from the industry, and people like Farah (Khan) are my closest friends now. We just connect, and it is great that they know nothing about tennis — it’s nice that I don’t have to talk about my profession with them.

Screen debut, anytime soon?
What you see in shows is just me, I’m not acting. But when someone comes and instructs me on how to be on camera — I just freeze. I have always been too shy to be in front of the camera. I go by the phrase, ‘never say never’, but I don’t think you will get to see me act.

On talks of her biopic
I’m not sure if there has been something concrete, but let’s see how the talks pan out. My mother tells me that I must play the role myself, but I think actors like Parineeti, Deepika or Anushka can do a great job!